 | |  | Police Officer James H. Mateer
St. Louis Police Department
Missouri
Thursday, December 17, 1925 |
"The old order changeth, yielding place to new,
And God fulfils himself in many ways,
Lest one good custom should corrupt the world.
Comfort thyself: what comfort is in me?
I have lived my life, and that which I have done
May He within himself make pure! but thou,
If thou shouldst never see my face again,
Pray for my soul. More things are wrought by prayer
Than this world dreams of. Wherefore, let thy voice
Rise like a fountain for me night and day.
For what are men better than sheep or goats
That nourish a blind life within the brain,
If, knowing God, they lift not hands of prayer
Both for themselves and those who call them friend?
For so the whole round earth is every way
Bound by gold chains about the feet of God.
But now farewell. I am going a long way
With these thou seëst--if indeed I go
(For all my mind is clouded with a doubt)--
To the island-valley of Avilion;
Where falls not hail, or rain, or any snow,
Nor ever wind blows loudly; but it lies
Deep-meadowed, happy, fair with orchard lawns
And bowery hollows crowned with summer sea,
Where I will heal me of my grievous wound."
from "The Passing of Arthur" by Alfred Lord Tennyson
On behalf of Officer Mateer, his daughter Jeanette, grandaughter Janet, grandson Edward, me and my sons, I thank all that have extended their prayers, respects, and best wishes. As a child, I heard many times the stories of "Smiling Jim" and how he loved the city of St. Louis and how the citizens of the city loved him. I was named for this man and I have always felt humbled and honored for that fact. I will spend the rest of my life remembering his service and sacrifice, as will my sons. To his brothers in uniform, in the St. Louis Police Department, the United States Navy, and all other branches of service that protect our safety and our freedom, I thank you for your service and stand with you, ranks unbroken.
To the man we memorialize here, Officer James Henry Mateer, you are with us now and always, be thou at peace...
Jim James Holcomb
Great Grandson
2009-11-05
You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service vandenberghe
manchester, n h
2007-12-09
It is so difficult to come to this web site and find someone with only a few reflections. Gone but never forgotten.
2007-03-29
Officer Mateer,
You are not forgotten by your fellow officers in St. Louis. Your picture hangs proudly with your fellow officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. God bless you and keep you always. Doug Eatherton
St. Louis City Police
2005-12-17
James H Mateer died while creating a safer place for the people of the community he served and protected. He payed the highest immaginable price a cop can pay. He stood for the safety of the generation that years later would free my country from occupation. Therefore James H Mateer is a true heroe and earned his place in history. The world changes as time goes by. Us 'coppers' though are more alike Officer Mateer than he would ever have thought.
His glory shall not be blotted out.
Rest in peace Brother Brigadier Eric Jansen
Rotterdam City Police (Netherlands)
2005-10-24
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